60 INSESSORES. 



small tree ; it is composed externally of grass, moss, 

 and leaves; internally of fibrous roots, and is warmly 

 lined with feathers. The eggs are mostly four in 

 number, of a dull ashy hue, spotted and streaked tow- 

 ard the great end with brown. 



Among the many charms which attend upon the 

 opening of Spring, and by their sweetness and beauty 

 do much to render its advent a joyous and lovely sea- 

 son, one of the most pleasing is the song of the birds. 

 How gentle and soothing are their tones, as, with the 

 highest glee, they warble out their inspired music ! 

 How peaceful are the thoughts that occupy the mind 

 that has been abstracted from itself, by the distant 

 voice of some modest little bird ! We can hardly 

 place too high an estimate upon the kindly influences 

 which they exert upon us. Listen to the persuasive 

 tones of the Red-eyed Vireo, soft and sweet, and 

 full of eloquence, bidding us cast aside our griefs, 

 and be as happy as he. And the Warbling Vireo 

 li^ht-hearted little fellow, he too tells us that the 



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skies are bright and the sun is ever shining, notwith- 

 standing clouds may obstruct them from our view ; 

 and though the day be dark, he sings on, still look- 

 ing for a bright to-morrow. 



These two charming little songsters belong to a 

 group formerly placed with the Fly-catchers and 

 Tyrants, on account of their possessing some of the 

 habits of those birds ; but a slight comparison will 

 at once show the difference. The true Tyrants are 

 of a stout, heavy build, particularly about the head 

 and shoulders, while the Vireos are light and deli- 



